Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

Get the Dish: Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes

When it comes to cupcakes, there's nothing like Magnolia's classic vanilla cupcake. It's the treat that started the cupcake craze — so we went inside their bakery in LA to learn the technique to making perfectly delicious cupcakes. Watch the video now to see how it's done.

Directions

Make the cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Line 2 cupcake pans with paper liners.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the self-rising flour, cake flour, and sugar. Using the paddle attachment, mix for 2 minutes on low speed. With the mixer on low speed add the butter one cube at a time, do not rush. Mix until it's a sand-like texture.

Combine the milk and vanilla, and add 1/2 of the mixture to the batter. Scrape the bowl and mix on medium speed for 1 minute. Slowly add the eggs and the rest of the milk mixture to the bowl on low speed. Scrape bowl and continue mixing for 1-2 minutes.

Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake pans.

Bake for 23 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Make the frosting: Cream the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Scrape down sides of bowl often. When the mixture starts to thicken and appears dry add 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy about 2-4 minutes. Add more milk as needed if you want a thinner consistency. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly.

Hi,
i have the book, in the book they used all-purpose instead of cake flour...which one is the correct one?
Also, in the book the method is to cream butter and sugar first then slowly add flour lernating with the wet ingredients...again which is correct???
thanx

This recipe is amazing! Just made the buttercream which is to die for, I couldn't stop licking my fingers!

4 years

The Disclaimer is confusing at the bottom of the recipe. It says the mixing method is for larger batches but this is a small batch recipe? Then goes on to say to follow the instructions (for the small batch) for best results when the mixing method is for a large batch?

4 years

Another Clarification Requested by the disclaimer: "Disclaimer: the recipe in the video is the same one that Magnolia Bakery uses in-house, but it shows a mixing method that is more appropriate for larger batches. Home bakers should follow the above recipe for best results." The recipe is for a small batch so it's confusing...then it says to follow the recipe for best results when the recipe is for a small batch and the method for mixing is for a large batch?

4 years

The recipe does not follow the video instructions. 1/2 of the whisked eggs are supposed to be added to the flour mixture, not the milk and vanilla mixture (Step 8). The procedure needs to be revised. :-)